i had extremely high expectations for this album; especially after the leaks started coming, and everyone could tell the album would sound far different from her previous ones. 'As I Am' definitely lives up to all my expectations, and it also had some surprises. i find this album refreshing as much as it is derivitive of some of pop cultures greatest artists (prince, the beatles, etc.). i love it. i'm glad i bought it (an exclusive edition at that). =)